Packer Reportedly Paid at Least $1.25 Million to Law Firm Representing Netanyahu

An investigation published Monday reported that James Packer had paid at least US$1.25 million to Hadad Roth Shenhar, the Tel Aviv law firm representing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It described monthly US$50,000 retainers beginning September 23, 2024, but did not establish whether Netanyahu benefited from the payments. A person familiar with Packer’s finances said the money covered work for Packer, including Israeli investment opportunities, and was unrelated to Netanyahu’s trial. Packer declined to comment, lawyer Amit Hadad did not answer questions, and Netanyahu’s spokesperson dismissed the inquiry while saying his team was focused on the election.